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The Big Island remains my favorite Hawaiian island — there is SO much to do and yet it is surprisingly the second least visited island, receiving barely more visitors than Kauai.
Volcanoes, black sand beaches, rain forests, tropical gardens, and some of the best snorkeling of any island.
Are you convinced to visit yet?
Here are the 18 best things to do on Big Island of Hawaii.
Note: The Island of Hawaii is nicknamed the Big Island to differentiate it from the State of Hawaii.
18 Best Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii
1. Visit Akaka Falls State Park
Seeing a gorgeous waterfall like Akaka Falls should be number one on everyone’s list when visiting the Big Island. It will take about 25 minutes to drive out here from Hilo, but it’s well worth it (the drive itself is gorgeous, too).
Once at Akaka Falls State Park, it’s a short walk (about a half mile) to the falls on a paved walkway with handrails. There are also some stairs, but it’s overall pretty easy. You’ll walk through beautiful rainforest foliage and have so much to admire until you reach Akaka Falls. I loved this visit, so that’s why I put it first.
Cost: $5 per person plus $10 for parking; pay at kiosks upon arrival
Hours: Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2. Drink Coconut Water at Mana’s Aloha Fruit Stand
This fruit stand is in front of Akaka Falls State Park; it was an impulse to stop here, and I’m so glad we did!
The coconut water was the best I’ve ever tasted, and the pineapple was very ripe and juicy.
There are signs, so don’t miss this!
Hours: They’re open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., perfect for a treat after visiting the falls.
3. Wander the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Gardens
On your way back to Hilo from Akaka Falls, stop at the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Gardens if you didn’t get enough of that tropical nature.
Here you’ll be able to stroll along many nature trails, through various tropical gardens and see all the different plants, flowers, and trees that make Hawaii so beautiful.
4. Walk around Hilo Bay
Stroll downtown Hilo and eat some treats such as an acai bowl in a pineapple bowl from Makani’s Magic Pineapple Shack.
Pick up some mochi from Two Ladies Kitchen.
Grab a few chocolate-dipped cookies from Big Island Candies.
And don’t forget to hit up Hilo Farmers Market; they’re open daily.
Hilo Bay is pretty walkable, so who knows what else you’ll discover!
5. Visit Coconut Island
You must explore Coconut Island, a small island park that’s connected to the main island by a footbridge. There’s grass, palm trees, a few sandy beaches, and lots of great views.
6. Swim at and Explore a Few Beaches
Head to Carlsmith Beach Park or Richardson Ocean Park as both these beaches have lava rocks and calm, clear blue waters. Perfect for wading and/or snorkeling.
7. Walk around Lili’uokalani Gardens
Before leaving Coconut Island, don’t miss Lili’uokalani Gardens, a large, authentic Japanese garden named after Hawaii’s last reigning queen, Queen Liliʻuokalani.
It’s free and open 24/7.
There are bridges, fish ponds, a tea house, lanterns, and more.
It’s one of the biggest Japanese gardens outside of Japan, built to commemorate the Japanese immigrants to the island.
8. Visit Rainbow Falls
Check out Rainbow Falls near Hilo, HI, in the Wailuku River State Park. It’s a scenic viewpoint, so no hiking required, and some mornings you may even see a rainbow above the falls.
This is one of several waterfalls on the island, perhaps one of the most accessible.
9. See a Cave
Visit Kaumana Caves, a 25-mile lava tube created by the 1881 Mauna Loa eruption.
You can’t explore much more than the cave entrance as the lava tube crosses into private property.
But it’s free and just off the highway 200, so bring a flashlight and good shoes if you’re curious about this site.
10. Take a Day Trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a full-day excursion. There is SO much to do at this national park! I had so much fun here, and I know you will, too.
This national park is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes! Even if you don’t see any flowing lava, there is so much cooled lava around the park, especially along the Chain of Craters Road, and that was just as fascinating to see. This park quickly rose to the top of my list of favorite national parks.
Check out my complete guide to doing a day trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including all the things you must do.
11. Explore Volcano Village
After your day in the national park, I hope you’ll spend time in the Village of Volcano. It’s a gorgeous village with several restaurants and stores.
In addition to a tea farm, Volcano Village also has wine tastings at Volcano Winery and an art gallery at the Volcano Art Center.
Get lunch before 2 p.m. as everything closes down early here!
12. Tour a Tea Farm
One of the highlights for us was doing a tea tasting and tea farm tour at Tea Hawaii in Volcano Village. The tours are private, and you’ll need to make a reservation in advance.
The location of the farm will be disclosed once your reservation is confirmed.
If you love tea, you’ll find this tour fascinating!
13. Visit the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Oh wow is this beach GORGEOUS. This is a beach you’ll want to spend some time on. The waves might be rough (they were when we were here) so if they are I wouldn’t recommend swimming.
The black sand is quite fascinating — it’s made up of tiny pieces of lava rocks and can get hot in the sun. There weren’t many people here when we went so hopefully you’ll be just as lucky.
See my full guide to visiting the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach with tips on how to make the most of your visit.
14. Eat Hawaiian Sweet Bread at Punalu’u Bake Shop
While you’re near the black sand beach, be sure to stop at Punalu’u Bake Shop for their famous Hawaiian sweet bread and malasadas. Yum!
15. Visit the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
So what is this place and why MUST you come? It is a place of refuge and burial grounds of Hawaiian royalty.
You’ll learn about ancient Hawaii culture and customs and see preserved and reconstructed ancient structures, such as the hale poki (a royal mausoleum) and the great wall.
Plus, the area’s natural beauty is simply stunning. This stop was a highlight for us!
This historical park is maintained by the National Park Service so you can use your NPS annual pass if you have one.
16. Snorkel at Two Step
Two Step is a snorkeling spot that gets its name because the area has no beach, only lava rocks, and you have to take two steps down to reach the clear, blue water. Fish and coral are in abundance, so you’re bound to see a variety of wildlife (remember to keep a safe distance).
This is one of the most popular snorkeling spots, so come early to avoid crowds (it opens at 7 a.m.). It’s actually located right next to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (but NOT IN the park, they’re separate)!
Bring flip-flops or water shoes to safely walk on the lava rocks, which get hot in the sun; and don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen.
17. Night Snorkel with Manta Rays
One of the most unique activities you can do on the Big Island is go night snorkeling with Manta rays. It’s a bit expensive at around $130 per person, but I’ve heard people say this was their top experience in Hawaii.
18. Tour a Kona Coffee Farm or Two
While you’re in Kona, visiting a coffee farm is a must! Kona coffee is known worldwide and it’s only made here in the Kona District. What makes it so special? Well, visit a Kona coffee farm to find out.
We visited Greenwell Coffee Farms and did a free coffee tasting (several varieties were available to taste). We didn’t have time for the free tour, which is a bummer because we loved the coffee. I’ve heard good things about the other coffee farms listed below, so if you’d like to visit more than one farm, those are your best bets!
- Greenwell Coffee Farms (Free)
- Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation (Free)
- Hala Tree Coffee Farm (Free)
- Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee ($25)
- Kona Coffee Living History Farm ($20)
If you visit Kona in February or March, you’ll be treated to Kona snow — that is, you’ll be able to see the coffee trees covered in white flower blossoms! How magical.
Map of Things to Do on the Big Island
Concluding Thoughts
What is the No. 1 thing to do in Big Island Hawaii? The top attraction on the Big Island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can get up close and personal with two of the island’s most active volcanoes.
What not to miss on the island of Hawaii? Don’t miss Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls, and the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. All these stops are incredibly beautiful and amazing, must sees.
Best free things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii:
- Coffee tasting and tour at Greenwell Coffee Farm
- Walk along the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
- Visit Coconut Island
- Walk around Hilo Bay
- Snorkel at Two Step
How many days in the Big Island is enough? With three or four days, you can see and do a lot on the Big Island, but I’d recommend at least a week to fully explore both sides of the island.
Where to Stay on the Big Island
Recommended Hotels in Hilo, Hawaii
- Hilo Hawaiian Hotel
- Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast (where we stayed)
- SCP Hilo Hotel
- Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo: Doubletree by Hilton
Recommended Hotels in Kona, Hawaii
What to Pack for Hawaii
Here are some of my favorite things I brought with me to Hawaii:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snorkel set
- Waterproof phone pouch (to take photos underwater)
- EPA-registered insect repellent. There are mosquitoes in Hawaii, and while it’s rare for one of them to be carrying a virus, it’s best to spray yourself with insect repellent regularly to prevent those pesky bites. Be sure to use an EPA-registered insect repellent that has one of 5 active ingredients recommended by the CDC. The EPA has a search tool to help you locate a registered, effective insect repellent. My recommendation for a natural option is to use the EPA-registered Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Spray, which uses oil of lemon eucalyptus as its active ingredient.
Favorite travel essentials
- I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
- I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
- I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
- I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Hawaii
Big Island
- Ultimate Guide to Visiting Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Big Island of Hawaii
- 7 Day Big Island Itinerary: How to Spend a Week on the Big Island of Hawaii
- Day Trip to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Itinerary
All Islands
Oahu
- How to Follow the Blackpink Hawaii Summer Diary Itinerary
- 4 Day Oahu Itinerary: What to Do on the Most Popular Hawaiian Island
Kauai
Maui